Chinese diver Guo Jingjing competes during the women's 3m springboard semifinal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games diving event in the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube in Beijing, China, Aug. 16, 2008. Guo ranked 1st with a score of 398.55 points and entered the final. (Xinhua/Zhao Peng)(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese world and Olympic champion Guo Jingjing took the limelight at the Water Cube as she finished first on Saturday's three meters springboard semifinals at the Beijing Olympic Games diving competition.

    Guo, who took the gold medal in the three meter springboard synchronized event with teammate Wu Minxia on Aug. 10, finished first in the semifinals by collecting 398.55 points.

    "All competitors are quite strong," said the 26-year-old Guo, winner of the event in four consecutive World Championships. "I will do each dive well and perform my best."

    "There are lots of contingency in the match," added the "diving queen", "We have to wait and see."

    Julia Pakhalina, winner of the three meter springboard synchronized event at the Sydney Olympics and bronze medalist of the springboard at the Athens Olympics, trailed Guo during the semifinals and finished second with 383.50 points.

    "I tried not to concentrate on the crowd," said Pakhalina, who was aware of the enthusiasm of the spectators.

    The Russian veteran didn't want to predict the result of the final. "It's hard to say," she said. "But I will do my best."

    Wu Minxia, 22, silver medalist to Guo at the Athens Olympics and the world championships in 2005 and 2007, was third in the semifinals with 345.30 points.

    "It's Ok to me," said the 22-year-old. "I made some mistakes, but it was normal."

    Blythe Hartley of Canada, winner of the one meter springboard at the 2001 and 2005 World Championships, finished eighth with 324.60 points.

    Chantelle Newbery of Australia, winner of the platform event at the Athens Olympics, failed to qualify for the final as she just came in 14th with 294.45 points. 

Chinese diver Guo Jingjing performs during the women's 3m springboard semifinal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games diving event in the National Aquatics Center, also known as the Water Cube in Beijing, China, Aug. 16, 2008. Guo ranked 1st with a score of 398.55 points and entered the final. (Xinhua/Zhao Peng)(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>